How do I clean a range hood filter?

Range hood filters usually come off and can be washed with warm water and dish detergent. Many metal filters can also go in the dishwasher, but check the manual first because charcoal filters are often replace-only.

Turn the hood off and let it cool before removing the filter. If grease is stuck on, soak it, rinse it well, dry it completely, and put it back only when it is fully dry. If you cook a lot, cleaning the filter about once a month keeps the hood working better.

The main job here is removing grease before it becomes a thick layer that slows airflow. If the filter has years of buildup, a soak is usually more effective than scrubbing harder and bending the mesh.

If your hood uses a replaceable filter, keeping a spare on hand can make the maintenance easier: range hood filter replacement.

Once the filter is clean and dry, the hood should sound and smell a little better the next time you cook.